Facts about Angola

Angola is on the West coast of Southern Africa. During the times of colonialism, Angola one small nation but after November 11, 1975, it became independent and now extends over an area of 1,246,700 Km2.

Angola is bordered by Congo-Brazzaville at the Northern province of Cabinda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (former Zaïre) to the North and East, Zambia to the East, and Namibia to the South.

With a total of 4,837 Km long borderline, Angola has an Atlantic Ocean coastline of 1,650 Km long. The country’s major ports include Luanda, Lobito, and Namibe. Despite the presence of rivers and estuaries on the south west, the extreme south of the country is under desert. You’ll find this desert in areas on Namibe stretching further into the northern parts of Namibia.

The country’s highest peak is Mount Moco, 2,620 m high, located in Huambo province. With a privileged continental hydrographic system, Angola’s main rivers are Kwanza, Záire, Cunene, and Cubango.

Kwanza (Kz) is national currency.

The country is divided into 18 provinces, being Luanda the capital. Angola is divided into eighteen provinces (províncias) and 163 municipalities.The provinces include;

Bengo

Benguela

Bié

Cabinda

Cuando Cubango

Cuanza Norte

Cuanza Sul

Cunene

Huambo

Huila

Luanda

Lunda Norte

Lunda Sul

Malanje

Moxico

Namibe

Uíge

Zaire

Statistics

Population: 15,280,537

Hope of Life: Men 45 years; Women 48 years

Age structure:

0-14 years: 45% (male 2,545,006; female 2,473,732)

15-64 years: 52% (male 2,938,178; female 2,909,844)

65 years and over: 3% (male 143,074; female 167,703)

Population growth rate: 5.84%

Birth rate: 43.11 births/1,000 Population

Ethnic groups

The people of Angola are called Angolans. there are a number of tribes in Angola with Ovimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%, mestico (mixed European and Native African) 2%, European 1%, other 22%

Angola Travel Information

Angola Flights and Airports: Angola has an excellent airport system covering the entire country. The main airport is Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda the capital. It is the main entry point for international traffic of people and goods alike.

Road Access; Travel on highways outside of towns and cities in Angola (and in some cases within) is often not best advised for those without four-by-four vehicles. The Angolan government has contracted the restoration of many of the country's roads.

The road between Lubango and Namibe, for example, was completed recently with funding from the European Union, and is comparable to many European main routes. Progress to complete the road infrastructure is likely to take some decades, but substantial efforts are already being made in the right directions.

Health: A vaccination certificate for yellow fever is required to enter the country. Well equipped clinics are available for visitors requiring immediate health care.

Driver’s License: An international and local driver’s license is required to drive in the country.

Visa Info: Entry visa into Angola are at any of the Angola Consular. A passport size picture, a valid passport, and a completed application form must be submitted.

Telephones: A land system operator and two cellular phone operators exist in the country, enabling easy domestic and international calls.